The Rain in Spain Falls Mainly on John McCain

That rain, of course, is the fallout from recent remarks in which McCain seemed to suggest one of two things: either he has no idea where Spain is, or he knows exactly where Spain is, and he thinks it might be a rogue terrorist state…

During an interview in Miami earlier this week with Spanish-language station Union Radio, a reporter asked McCain whether, if elected, he would receive [friendly, non-terrorist, Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez] Zapatero in the White House.

McCain answered, "Honestly, I have to analyze our relationships, situations, and priorities, but I can assure you that I will establish closer relationships with our friends, and I will stand up to those who want to harm the United States."

Now, hold your horses, there's more to this than meets the eye. The question about Spain came after a series of questions about Venezuela, Bolivia and Cuba, which are also countries known for their delicious, spicy foods.

As a result, much of the Spanish press has decided that the Republican candidate, who hails himself as the experienced foreign policy choice in this election, confused Spain — a NATO member and key ally in the fight against terrorism — with one of those troublesome Latin American states. That was certainly the interviewer's impression, for she followed up with a gentle reminder that Spain was a country in Europe.

Well, maybe to YOU it is. But John McCain is the original maverick.

And mavericks don't play by the maps.